Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks.  All adult artists who use any medium […]

Discover what makes spiders unique. Visit different spider themed stations including pictures of various kinds of spiders, how spiders eat, a human-sized recreation of a spider’s web, and a web-slinging […]

Play in the sandbox at the Nature Play Area. Create sandcastles, holes, or other creations using our sandbox toys or bring your own. While playing, discover buried fossils and gemstones that can be taken home. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Nature Playscape 10 AM Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend. Free; […]

Explore the world of Lepidoptera by searching for different species of butterflies found in the park. Search for the famous Monarch, yellow sulfurs, and tiny skippers, and the flowers and plants they depend on. Litzenberg Memorial Woods South Side Parking Lot 1 PM All ages are welcome. Free; registration is not required. Tim Kleman tkleman@hancockparks.com

Cicada juveniles emerge from underground when they are ready to turn into adults. They climb on a variety of surfaces and shed their exoskeleton, leaving this shell behind. See how many cicada shells can be found by looking on tree trunks and trail posts. Litzenberg Memorial Woods Gatehouse 2pm All ages are welcome. Free; registration […]

Letterboxing is a treasure hunt style hobby, like geocaching, where participants read clues to find the location of hidden boxes scattered in public places across the country. Inside the boxes are a logbook, an ink pad, and a unique stamp to collect. Experience the hobby of letterboxing by searching for temporary letterboxes scattered around the […]

Pigeons are one of the most important animals in human history, though they are often called “rats with wings,” and are regularly misunderstood. Learn about their amazing features, how people have used them throughout history, and the interesting species of pigeons found in Ohio and the world. Participants will create a pigeon craft and meet […]

The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors or “en plein air.” Artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. These gatherings are a way to meet and work with other plein air artists, and they provide a nice format for those who […]

Late summer is a wonderful time to observe insects. Hike the trails and look for species that live in the park, including Monarch Butterflies, Cicadas, and Stag Beetles. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area Parking Lot by Shelter 3 10 AM All ages are welcome. Free; registration is not required. Maclain Teeple mteeple@hancockparks.com

Explore the amazing world of spiders. Discover what makes them unique, learn about the types of spiders in Ohio, and look for spiders on the trail. This is a drop-off program. Riverbend Recreation Area Big Oaks Activity Area Mariann Dana Younger Memorial Pavilion 1-2:30 PM Ages 5-14. Free; but click here to register by 4 […]

The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors or “en plein air.” Artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. These gatherings are a way to meet and work with other plein air artists, and they provide a nice format for those who […]

Aim, shoot, and score! Learn safety measures and the basics of archery from a certified archery instructor while shooting arrows at targets with a compound bow. Archery equipment will be provided. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Dold Lake 6 PM Ages 16 and up. Click here to register with $10 per person by 1 PM on Thursday, […]